Monday is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and events throughout the state are planned to celebrate it. 

President Joe Biden officially proclaimed the holiday in 2021, though it’s been unofficially recognized for decades. 

“Our Nation celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring the Federal Government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations,” he wrote. 

The holiday is typically observed on the second Monday in October, and according to pbs.org, is “typically paired with Columbus Day or replaces the federal holiday altogether.”

“On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today,” Biden wrote in 2021. “I encourage everyone to celebrate and recognize the many Indigenous communities and cultures that make up our great country.”

Five federally-recognized tribes live within Idaho, including the Shoshone-Bannock (or Newe), the Nez Perce (or Nimiipuu), the Coeur d’Alene (or Schitsu’umsh), the Kootenai (or Ktunaxa), and the Shoshone-Paiute (or Numu). 

To learn more about the tribes, check out our series, “Still Here: Tribes fight to be seen in Idaho classrooms.” It includes:

• A map of the federal Native American boarding schools in Idaho
• A look back at boarding schools’ complicated legacy in the United States
• Profiles of standout Native American teachers and principals
• An article on the alarming achievement gaps between Native American students and their peers
• An overview of what schools in Idaho are doing — or not doing — to help Native American students succeed
• Achievement data for schools on or near reservations
• A spotlight on an Idaho program trying to get more Native American teachers in classrooms
• A photo gallery, a video gallery, and a look at what Idaho students should be learning about Native Americans 

Events to honor Indigenous people are being held statewide today, including on college campuses:

• Idaho State University: ISU is hosting its 5th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day, including dance and drum performances, all-day speakers, door prizes, and a research and creative arts showcase. Get the details here. The Western Literature Association conference, which is being held in partnership with the Shoshone-Bannock tribes, will also include a number of free events that are open to the public throughout the week. 
• Boise State University: The Idaho Center for the Book is hosting Beth Piatote, a Nez Perce writer and scholar, for a discussion and book signing at Albertsons Library Monday night. 
• College of Western Idaho: CWI is hosting a presentation led by Indigenous community members about the future of Indigenous-led policy in Idaho. 
• University of Idaho: The U of I is hosting Keynote Speaker Arnold Thomas, who will be discussing the power of Indigenous Resiliency Monday night.